Merit is the minimalist makeup brand all our beauty editors are obsessed with

‘If you’re one of the many people who’ve asked me what makeup brand I’d choose if I could only wear one for the rest of my life, Merit is my failsafe answer. I truly believe it caters to all ages, and while it really aces the base products and neutral, earthy tones, there are a few staples for those who like to inject a little extra spice.

Take the Vermillion classic red lip. This red lippy comes into its own for me during summer, when it really pops against my freckles and healthy complexion. Maybe that’s just because I’m blonde, and I feel it washes me out more in winter.

These lipsticks offer the dreamy, elusive combo of hydrating, matte colours with a striking pigment payoff. And the best bit? No transfer after a snack by the pool or (more likely) as many sips of rosé and litres of gazpacho as is respectable over one lunchtime.’ Florence Reeves-White, senior beauty writer

‘I tend to shy away from blush or bronzing sticks as I find they too often wipe off my base product underneath – but this doesn’t happen with Merit Balm Bronze. When I’m short on time (which is often), I’ll do my makeup on the Tube before work (yes, I’m one of those people) and I estimate it’s shaved a minute off my already streamlined routine. It’s so easy to apply and this shade feels nice and subtle – I find I don’t have to buff it out much at all.

And, despite being a beauty editor, I must confess I’m scared of contouring, but I’ve started using this to contour my nose on an everyday basis. The cream formula is full of fatty acids, which moisturise the skin and feel featherlight on – you barely know you’re wearing it, it is second skin-like.’ Rosie Fitzmaurice, freelance beauty editor

‘If eyeshadow palettes provoke an instant wave of overwhelm, these putty-like cream-to-powder shadows stand a high chance of bringing peace and simplicity to your getting ready routine. Available in four neutral and four statement shades (think navy and khaki, rather than technicolour), each matte shadow is intended to be worn solo, so you’re not painting by numbers when still bleary eyed.

My go-to is Studio; the red-toned taupe (the brand labels it “cool”, but I beg to differ) brings out the green in my hazel eyes and it creates a soft wash of colour that doesn’t migrate to my cheeks or crease. While it can be applied with your ring finger, I prefer to blend it over lids with a fluffy brush, but a word to the wise: you'll need to work quickly before it sets. Once on, however, it feels and looks velvety smooth, won’t settle into crow’s feet and is a watery-eyed hayfever sufferer’s best friend. It’s also just the ticket if you have oily eyelids.

If I have a long day ahead of me, I layer an eyeshadow primer, such as Suqqu Eye Enhancing Primer, £22, underneath it to give it even more grip. If you’re a fan of a multidimensional look or prefer something with a bit more glimmer and slip, it’s not for you, but if you’re into easy makeup you barely need think about, there are certainly perks to this elegant gold-topped pot.’ Anna Lao-Kim, beauty editor

‘Some people collect vintage handbags or rare vinyl; I collect lip glosses, which I’d like to say is a more affordable option, although considering the amount I have…

Thing is, no matter how many I own, there’s always room for another if it ticks the crucial boxes: pretty, plumping colour, non-sticky texture and the all-important “ooh” factor upon whipping it out of a handbag for public application.

Shade Slick aces them all, with a choice of finishes (the lusciously translucent Gelées or the more statement-y Classics – oops, that makes two new additions) and the stylish bottle that demands ostentatious slicking-on. It makes me feel like the glossy LA girl I’m not.’ Lynne Hyland, senior beauty editor

‘Since I started using the Merit Perfecting Complexion Stick, I’ve become a lot more confident when it comes to a “no-makeup makeup” look. As someone who opts for a full-face of glam on a night out, I needed to find the right product for a daytime look. This allows for fuss-free, easy application. I use the shade Tiger Eye – which I found by using the super-smart shade matcher on the website – mainly to hide hyperpigmentation around my eyes and nose and to even out my skin tone.

It produces a skin-like finish; the product is super creamy and glides across my face when applying – it only needs a few pats of my foundation brush or fingers to blend. It’s also really hydrating, which is what I need for my dry skin, and doesn’t cling to the creases under my eyes or smile lines. The buildable coverage allows me to decide whether I want to opt for a light or medium finish, something not all foundation and concealer products on the market do.

The result? A look that gets me compliments on how glowy my skin is, especially when coupled with a liquid blush on my cheekbones. For someone who has very dry skin, this is a dream!’ Monai Adams-Sackey, GHI accreditation manager

‘Strictly speaking, this falls more into the skincare category, but I’ve included it here as it’s such a good primer.

It’s great for prepping skin before makeup, particularly if you’re after a dewy, glass-like finish (who isn’t these days?). It perks up and plumps everything out with hyaluronic acid (four types to penetrate the skin on multiple levels) and cacao seed extract (a rich source of caffeine), while smoothing out fine lines with niacinamide and Japanese goldthread root.

The serum feels weightless on the skin but delivers the kind of moisture you might expect from a facial oil (which it’s not), leaving me with a healthy, fresh glow. Plus, the very expensive-looking bottle brings me joy.’ Rosie Fitzmaurice, freelance beauty editor

‘Since I tried a sample of this blush ahead of its launch two years ago, I haven’t worn anything else. There are three reasons for this: firstly, it has the easiest application ever. The dome shape meets the apples of your cheeks with just the right amount of product, which I then blend in with my finger.

Secondly, the texture. Translucent enough to look natural (and be worn without foundation, which is very important for me), but enough colour payoff to make you look really healthy. And thirdly, the shade range. I wear Beverly Hills, which is the colour of my cheeks after a brisk walk, but better.’ Fleur Fruzza, beauty editor